Brown Spots on Skin

Brown spots on skin are described as the increase in the natural color of the skin on some spots. They are actually the presence of melanin deposits in skin cells. Such a condition is medically termed as ephelis. There are many other names like age spots, liver spots, skin discoloration, sunspots and hyper pigmentation to describe the same condition. Though brown spots affect your looks and appeal, yet they are benign in nature. White people over the age 50 are among the common victims. They most often develop brown spots on the body parts such as face, scalp and hands that are often exposed to the sun.

Causes of Brown Spots

The basic reason behind the appearance of brown spots is the accumulation of skin color pigment, called melanin, in the skin cells. Melanin is formed in the body due to exposure to the sun. Therefore, one of the obvious causes is excessive sun exposure. Other possible reasons behind the development of brown spots are some skin disorders such as seborrhea keratosis, melasma, freckles, moles, liver dysfunction, excessive sun exposure and aging.

How to Get Rid of Brown Spots on Skin

• Apply a good quality sunscreen lotion on the exposed body parts, especially on the brown spots before going out in the sun.
• You may use an over-the-counter skin cream containing hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid and antioxidants like retinol. It will work towards reducing brown spots.
• Lemon juice contains citric acid, which has a mild bleaching action. Therefore, apply lemon juice directly on brown spots. This is especially effective in treating small spots.
• Buttermilk consists of lactic acid, which is known to be very effective in treating brown spots. Apply this liquid on the brown spots on skin before bedtime. Do it continuously for a couple of days to notice improvement.
• Use a 3-4% glycolic acid cleanser. Use it as directed on the pack. It will surely help you in getting rid of brown spots as it peels off the upper skin layers. The low percentage of glycolic acid can be safely used without a doctor's prescription.
• Liver malfunction results in the accumulation of toxins and free radicals in the body, which in turn leads to cell damage in the skin. Therefore, try to restore the health of liver. This is possible by eating foods rich in antioxidants.
• Give a shot to laser resurfacing with a dermatologist's agreement. The laser treatment will help remove the uppermost layer of the skin and accelerates the growth of newer skin cells. It is one of the highly efficacious techniques of getting healthier and clearer skin.
• Go for microdermabrasion session under the supervision of a dermatologist. It involves scrubbing the skin with small crystals to remove the upper skin layers. You will have to undergo a number of sessions to notice reduction in the appearance of brown spots.

As has been mentioned in upper section of the article, brown spots on skin are harmless. Still, many people prefer to get rid of it due to cosmetic reasons. Trying out the natural skin care remedies based on lemon, buttermilk will prove to be of great assistance. However, if you are looking for fast treatment, you should opt for dermatological ways based on tiny crystals, laser and medication. Select the type of treatment according to your comfort and ease, and get your flawless skin back again.